Chapter 7

Princess Helena's heart clenched as she awoke to find Prince Henry sitting beside her, gently stroking her hair. Her heart raced, and she couldn't help but exclaim, "Oh, Henry!"

Prince Henry regarded his sister and couldn't help but notice the attire she still wore – the same dress from the previous day. Helena sat on the edge of her bed, her legs swinging freely. She caught her brother's gaze on her clothing and let out a soft, embarrassed giggle. "I know! I didn't change last night. I felt uncomfortable with Colin spending the night in the same room. Thanks to you, dear brother—" She paused, glancing around her room. "Speaking of which, where's Colin?"

Prince Henry's eyes drifted toward Helena's door. "He's preparing and fetching your breakfast, I presume."

"Did you also summon my maids and assign my servants' duties to Colin?"

Prince Henry fell silent, offering no response.

Princess Helena reached out and took her brother's hands, noticing their warmth. She placed the back of her hand on Prince Henry's forehead and raised an eyebrow. "You're warm! You have a fever, Henry!"

Prince Henry shook his head. "I'm fine!"

"No, you're not fine! You need rest!"

"I'm really okay!"

"I need you now more than ever, Henry. Please, stay healthy!" Concern filled Princess Helena's eyes as she held onto her brother's hands.

Just then, Colin entered the room, carrying a tray laden with food and drinks. Helena's eyes widened, but not because of Colin or his tray. Instead, her gaze fixated on a figure standing behind Colin. Prince Henry was there, behind Colin. He had come into the room with Colin, yet when she looked back at the chair in front of her, her brother had vanished. Helena had trouble swallowing, her eyes locked onto Colin and then Prince Henry in turn.

Prince Henry furrowed his brow when he saw his sister's stunned expression. "Helena, are you alright?"

Princess Helena looked from Colin to Prince Henry, blinking rapidly. She was utterly confused and needed to convey her recent experience to Colin. Was the man approaching her really her brother? If he was, then who had she been holding hands with earlier? Her heart felt as if it might burst. The man's hand she had been holding was hot, and his forehead was feverish. Could he be a devil in disguise?

"Stop!" Princess Helena suddenly cried out as Prince Henry moved to sit in front of her.

Prince Henry flinched at his sister's sudden outburst. "Helena, what's wrong?"

Princess Helena turned to Colin, who was equally puzzled by her behavior. "What happened, Your Royal Highness?"

Princess Helena turned back to Prince Henry once more, examining him from head to toe. She whispered to Colin, "Has he been with you this whole time?"

Colin looked between Princess Helena and Prince Henry, bewildered. "Yes, Your Royal Highness. I encountered Prince Henry while returning here after collecting your breakfast."

Princess Helena took yet another glance at Prince Henry, who had overheard their conversation. Suspicion welled up inside him, and he took a few steps toward her. In response, Princess Helena retreated behind Colin.

Colin pivoted to look at Princess Helena, his expression increasingly suspicious. "Did something occur in my absence, Your Royal Highness?"

Princess Helena swallowed hard, her fearful gaze fixed on Prince Henry. "My brother was with me before both of you arrived."

Prince Henry's eyes widened in shock. His heart raced, and beads of sweat formed on his forehead. He and Colin exchanged a concerned glance, both silently contemplating the unthinkable – had demons infiltrated the kingdom? Had the devil taken on the likeness of Prince Henry and entered Helena's room? Prince Henry seethed inwardly, vowing to protect his sister.

"What did he do to you?" Prince Henry demanded with a face flushed with anger.

Princess Helena shook her head, her voice trembling. "I don't know. When I woke up, I felt someone watching me. When I opened my eyes, you were sitting in front of me, stroking my hair."

"Good heavens!" Prince Henry exclaimed, turning away.

"What else did he do?" Prince Henry asked, his face now crimson.

"Nothing. Then both of you entered the room," Helena replied, recalling something unsettling. "But his body was so hot. His hands and forehead were burning."

Both Prince Henry and Colin made a protective sign and muttered prayers to themselves.

"I won't let those demons near you again!" Prince Henry declared, storming out of Helena's room.

Princess Helena and Colin exchanged wordless thoughts as they stood there, staring at each other, lost in their own contemplations.